Jamaica political parties agree to new spending rules for Dec. 29 election

Map shows 2007 election results

The two main political parties in Jamaica have agreed to limits on campaign financing for the December 29 general election.

The Electoral Commission of Jamaica (ECJ) brokered the deal with the governing Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and the People’s National Party (PNP).

The agreement prevents political parties, their candidates and agents from accepting donations from foreign governments, their agents or agencies.

It also bars them from accepting donations from public institutions, statutory bodies, government and quasi-government organizations.

ECJ Chairman Professor Errol Miller said the two political parties have agreed to ensure full compliance with the rules. "This includes submitting to Returning Officers full statements of all expenditures made in the conduct of their campaigns," he said.

The limit set by Parliament for a candidate has moved from US$35,000 (JM$3 million) set in 1997 to US$116,822 (JM$10 million).

The two parties also agreed to comply with campaign advertising and political broadcasts stipulations.

“These recommendations not only involve the political parties, but also media houses. Accordingly, the Commission is in dialogue with the Broadcasting Commission, with respect to consultation with the media houses, to the end that there will be broad-based adherence to these recommendations,” Miller said.